Adjustable Rear Aerodynamic Appendage for Downforce-Drag Trade-off
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-performance cars face challenges in achieving optimal aerodynamic efficiency in the rear area, as existing solutions either generate high aerodynamic downforce at the cost of increased drag or require complex and costly adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A car with an adjustable aerodynamic appendage at the rear, comprising three movable elements that can switch between a lowered and raised position, allowing air to flow either over or under the appendage, thereby optimizing downforce and drag based on the car's state of motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a rear spoiler is used to generate high aerodynamic downforce, then downforce is improved, but aerodynamic drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a movable diverting profile that can change its position dynamically to vary the aerodynamic characteristics of the rear spoiler. By moving the diverting profile between different positions, the system can adjust the balance between downforce and drag, allowing optimization for different driving conditions rather than being fixed in one configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the aerodynamic parameters by varying the position of the diverting profile within the aerodynamic duct. This movement alters the flow distribution over and under the spoiler, effectively changing the downforce-to-drag ratio to match different operational requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rear spoiler with movable diverting profile is used to adjust aerodynamic action, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the aerodynamic spoiler into functional segments: a fixed support structure, a movable diverting profile, and an aerodynamic duct. This segmentation allows the complex adjustment function to be achieved through a relatively simple movable component within a structured duct system.
Solution Approach 2:
The aerodynamic duct serves as an intermediary structure that guides and controls the air flow. The diverting profile moves within this duct to regulate airflow distribution, acting as a mediator between the spoiler surface and the incoming air, thereby simplifying the overall control mechanism.
3Loss of energy
If a through aerodynamic duct with movable diverting profile is used, then aerodynamic efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The aerodynamic duct serves multiple functions: it contains and directs the air flow, provides a guide for the diverting profile movement, and structures the overall spoiler assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, potentially simplifying manufacturing despite the complex aerodynamic performance.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides high aerodynamic efficiency with a favorable downforce-to-drag ratio, allows for real-time adjustment of aerodynamic action, and is simple and inexpensive to manufacture, while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
the aerodynamics are designed to generate a high aerodynamic downforce (i.e. a high aerodynamic downward pull)
Implementation Method 2
trying to minimize the aerodynamic drag
Data Source
AI summary
Car having: a passenger compartment; a front hood, which is arranged before the passenger compartment; a rear hood, which is arranged behind the passenger compartment and has an upper surface; and an aerodynamic appendage, which is arranged in the area of the rear hood and on the upper surface of the rear hood. The aerodynamic appendage is provided with at least one movable element that is movably mounted to move between a lowered position, in which the movable element rests on the upper surface of the rear hood allowing an air flow only over the movable element, and a raised position, in which the movable element is raised and separated from the upper surface of the rear hood allowing an air flow both over the movable element and under the movable element.